73 50 hp johnson quit, now nothing. Help please

[neub747]

It almost feels like something came unhooked in the lower unit. I have no idea, I'm not a mechanic and don't claim to be. I've never had a lower unit off. The shift lever in the top of the motor where the shift linkage hooks to just moves back and forth freely. There is no shifting at all it is just flopping around.

 

[neub747]

I just changed the lower unit oil yesterday and it looked fine when it came out. not milky or shiny with steel parts.

 

[airshot]

Perhaps the shift rod is broke, did you hit anything while out cruising. Electrical trouble shooting is a real pain !! I know, just had an elec issue on my outboard.

 

[neub747]

no didn't hit anything. I'm going to swap lower units. The lower unit is good on the parts motor. That'll be another day though.. Thanks for your help.

 

[tphoyt]

Did you remove the drain screw at the very bottom to drain the oil or the Philips screw half way up towards the back of the gear case?

 

[neub747]

regular head drain screw at the very bottom and the regular head screw about half way up for air.

 

[racerone]

The philips screw if equipped with it , is a bearing lockscrew.----It has no " bearing " on the shift function in any way.